When did Rajiv Ruparelia die?
KAMPALA, Uganda — Prominent Ugandan businessman and Group Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group, Rajiv Ruparelia, has died following a tragic road accident along the Munyonyo-Entebbe Expressway. The fatal crash occurred on Saturday 3rd May 2025 evening, sending shockwaves through Uganda’s corporate and social spheres.
Rajiv, 35, was the only son of billionaire Sudhir Ruparelia, the founder of the Ruparelia Group—one of Uganda’s largest and most diversified business conglomerates. Rajiv had earned a reputation as a young, bold entrepreneur with a modern vision for the future of Ugandan enterprise. His sudden death is being mourned as a devastating blow to Uganda’s business community.
Who was Rajiv Ruparelia?
Born on January 2, 1990, Rajiv was groomed from an early age to inherit the family’s business empire. He studied Financial Management at Regent’s University London before returning to Uganda to join the family business at an operational level. Over the years, he played a central role in reshaping the Ruparelia Group’s strategy and business culture, bringing fresh leadership and innovation to its operations.
Under Rajiv’s stewardship, the Group continued to expand its interests across key sectors including real estate, education, finance, hospitality, agriculture, and media. Notable projects overseen by Rajiv included the development of the Kingdom Kampala Mall, the expansion of Victoria University, and the continued success of Speke Resort Munyonyo. He was instrumental in integrating green technologies into the Group’s properties and believed in sustainable urban development.
How did he die?
According to police deputy spokesperson, Luke Owesigyire, it was confirmed with the following details. Single fatal crash: On 03/05/2025 at 1:54am, a white Nissan GTR (UAT 638L) crashed, overturned & caught fire at Busabala flyover. We have been informed that the driver was Rajiv Ruparelia (35) . He died at the scene. Investigations ongoing .
A Man of Many Passions
Rajiv was not only a businessman; he was also an avid sports enthusiast. He played a pivotal role in reviving and promoting motorsports in Uganda, earning accolades in national rally championships. He was known for his fierce competitiveness on the track and his commitment to developing local talent in the sport.
Off the racetrack, Rajiv dedicated much of his time to philanthropy through the Ruparelia Foundation. His focus areas included education, healthcare, and supporting underprivileged children. He was credited with offering scholarships to young Ugandan artists and students, and he was vocal about giving back to the community that supported his family’s rise.
In 2024, Rajiv was recognized among Africa’s top 100 young leaders under 40 by a prestigious continental leadership index, cementing his status as one of the region’s most promising business figures.
Personal Life and Legacy
Rajiv was married to Naiya Khagram, a British-Ugandan entrepreneur, whom he wed in a lavish ceremony in London in 2017. The couple had one daughter. Naiya is also a businesswoman and founder of Kaya’s Kitchen, Uganda’s first organic pet food company. The two shared a strong entrepreneurial spirit and were known for their low-key but supportive partnership.
Rajiv Ruparelia leaves behind not just a thriving business empire, but also a legacy of innovation, service, and youthful ambition. He was widely seen as the natural heir to the Ruparelia empire, and his death raises deep questions about the future direction of one of Uganda’s most powerful family-run businesses.
As the country mourns, tributes have continued to pour in from business leaders, politicians, and the public, all recognizing the loss of a visionary leader who was only just beginning to shape his full legacy.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be confirmed, and the Ruparelia family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
